Introductory Topics in Chinese Literature and Culture (200-0-20)
Topic
Dao of Sex
Instructors
Paola Zamperini
847/467-4593
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Office 4-431
Office Hours: Varies quarter to quarter, please check with instructor.
Meeting Info
University Hall 102: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
AY 22-23 This course will focus on sexual culture in China, from pre-Qin times to the early modern period. Using sources such as ancient medical texts, Daoist manuals, court poetry and Confucian classics, paintings and illustrated books, as well as legal documents and fiction written in the classic and vernacular languages, we will explore discourses about sex, sexuality, and desire in order to reconstruct their genealogies in the longue durée. The topics covered include sexual yoga, prostitution, sexual violence, human trafficking, and pornography. In addition to the primary sources, representative theoretical work in the fields of Chinese culture, history, gender theory, and sexuality studies, will be incorporated as much as possible. Previous knowledge of these disciplines, though helpful, is not required.
Learning Objectives
-Acquisition of knowledge about sexual culture and the history of sex in early and early modern China. This will entail exposure to primary sources (in English, and for those students able to, in Chinese) produced by Chinese authors of the time, as well as to related secondary sources.
-Development of methodological skills in studying, reading, and analyzing the primary and secondary sources related to the themes of the course.
-Growth as independent researchers in the fields of Asian humanities, Chinese cultural studies, and sexuality studies.
-Growth as independent academic thinkers and writers.
Teaching Method
Lecture and discussion
Evaluation Method
The final grade will be based on the following criteria:
-Active class participation (attendance, preparation, and discussion) 30%
-Assignments (writing statements, short papers, in class presentations, etc.) 35%
-Final Project 35%
Class Materials (Required)
All class materials will be available on Canvas
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area